According to the Boulder Daily Camera, a seventeen-year-old with a poor sense of time was on the road at 3:43 p.m. -- more than half an hour before the traditional 4:20 p.m. group inhale -- when he drove into a Boulder County Sheriff's vehicle.

The deputy assigned to the car wasn't hurt in the accident -- because he was outside, directing 4/20 traffic at the time. As for the teen, who reportedly admitted to having attended CU's 4/20 celebration and smoking marijuana there, didn't sustain a serious injury, either, although he was transported to the hospital due to what the Camera describes as "issues related to marijuana use" -- whatever that means. Police said he would be ticketed for reckless driving and driving under the influence.

He wasn't alone. The Boulder Police blotter for April 20 lists two more similar busts.

In the first, an eighteen-year-old was spotted driving the wrong way on a one-way street -- and after cops "noticed a marijuana odor coming from the car," the driver is said to have admitted smoking two bowls' worth.

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The second incident? An eighteen-year-old was in a car stopped in traffic. He claimed to officers that it wouldn't start -- but even if the engine had turned over, he wouldn't have been able to go anywhere. Police smelled weed, he allegedly admitted having toked, and cops arrested him and took him to Boulder County Jail.

A prudent response? Or an excessive reaction? No doubt the debate will continue.

Michael Roberts has written for Westword since October 1990, serving stints as music editor and media columnist. He currently covers everything from breaking news and politics to sports and stories that defy categorization.